Levi’s Stadium

History

Levi’s Stadium opened on July 17, 2014, in Santa Clara, California, as the new home of the San Francisco 49ers, replacing Candlestick Park. Designed by HNTB and built at a cost of approximately $1.3 billion, it is managed by the Santa Clara Stadium Authority. The stadium was constructed using private and public funding and built on a former parking lot next to the team’s training center. It hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and will host Super Bowl LX in 2026.

Description

The open-air venue officially seats 68,500 spectators, expandable to around 75,000 (and even over 80,000 for special events). It includes 174 executive suites, about 8,500 club seats, and a natural Tifway II Bermuda Grass field. The venue also features a 27,000 sq ft green rooftop and 20,000 sq ft of solar panels, making it the first NFL stadium to achieve LEED Gold certification.

Architectural Features

The stadium features a translucent steel-and-glass façade and solar bridges equipped with panels. Underneath the suite tower green roof is the rooftop “Faithful Farm” garden that supplies fresh produce to club lounges. Built for sustainability, the stadium uses recycled water, high-reflectance roofing and comprehensive energy monitoring systems.

What is Levi’s?

Levi Strauss & Co., the iconic American denim brand, secured naming rights in 2013 under a multi-decade agreement. The partnership reflects the stadium’s location in the heart of Silicon Valley and shared brand values of innovation and heritage.

Records

Levi’s Stadium’s official capacity is 68,500, but attendance has exceeded that during major events. WWE’s WrestleMania 31 drew a record crowd of 76,976 in 2015, while Ed Sheeran attracted over 80,000 fans during his +–=÷× Tour in September 2023. It hosted Super Bowl 50 in 2016 and will host Super Bowl LX in February 2026.